Never miss what is happening in Somerset County
Events, new openings and weekend plans from every corner of Somerset County. Straight to your inbox, free.
When the temperature drops, a table near a fireplace is the best seat in Somerset County. These six Somerset County restaurants pair a warm, fire lit setting with food worth the drive, from historic inns to a farm to table dining room on a former estate.
All six were taking reservations with recent diner reviews this fall. Hours below come from each restaurant or its reservation page, so confirm before you go.
The Pluckemin Inn
Where: 10 Pluckemin Way, Bedminster
The Pluckemin Inn serves contemporary American food in a reconstructed Federalist style building with two floors of dining and an indoor fireplace. Its award winning wine program runs to more than a thousand labels, and the Plucky Tavern is the spot for a casual drink. Lunch is served weekdays from 11:30 am to 2 pm, with dinner from 4 pm Monday through Saturday; it is closed Sundays.
The Grain House at the Olde Mill Inn
Where: 225 Route 202, Basking Ridge
The Grain House serves lunch and dinner in a historic setting with original beamed ceilings, fireplaces and rustic decor. It is a classic choice for a winter lunch or a relaxed dinner with family in the Somerset Hills. Call the inn for current hours and reservations.
Stone House at Stirling Ridge
Where: 50 Stirling Road, Warren
Set on about 10 acres in Warren’s Watchung Mountains, Stone House blends rustic cabin style with city polish, anchored by a wood burning fireplace and a two story glass wine tower. The menu is contemporary American with farm to table touches. Dinner runs Wednesday through Sunday, and brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3 pm.
Ninety Acres at Pendry Natirar
Where: 200 Natirar Drive, Peapack
Ninety Acres builds its seasonal, chef driven menu around crops from The Farm at Natirar on the former Ladd estate. Inside there is a fireplace and a casual bar lounge, and outside a fire pit for cooler evenings. It is open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner and closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Char Steakhouse
Where: 777 US Highway 202 North, Raritan
Char is an upscale steakhouse focused on dry aged and prime beef, daily seafood and a raw bar with oysters. The dining room has four fireplaces plus a Rain Room with a cascading water wall, a memorable setting for a special night. Dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 4 pm and Sundays from 1 pm.
Ristorante Il Monello
Where: 89 Main Street, Peapack
Il Monello is an Italian restaurant led by chef Martino Asagjeka, who trained in traditional Abruzzese cooking. Pasta is made by hand and dishes are cooked to order with local ingredients, served in a dining room with an indoor fireplace. The restaurant lists hours of 11 am to 10 pm daily.
Pair Dinner with a Holiday Outing
- Peapack: walk the Great Meadow Trail at Natirar, then dine at Ninety Acres or Il Monello.
- Bedminster: catch the Liberty Tree lighting at the Jacobus Vanderveer House on Friday, November 27, then head to the Pluckemin Inn.
- Basking Ridge: visit the Festival of Trees at the Environmental Education Center, then warm up at the Grain House.
- Raritan and Somerville: enjoy the Somerville Holiday Jubilee on Friday, December 4, then book a late dinner at Char.
- Warren: make Stone House a stop on a Sunday brunch outing.
Tips for Booking a Fireside Table
- Ask for a table near the fireplace when you reserve; those seats go first in December.
- Weeknight dinners are easier to book than Friday and Saturday during the holidays.
- Several of these spots host private holiday parties, so call ahead for large groups.
More in Somerset County: breweries, cideries and distilleries, holiday shows and concerts, and Christmas tree lightings.
Get Somerset County in your inbox
The best events, new openings and things to do, once a week. Free.
